Don't let the other children know you can do that. You'll never have a moment's peace.
[ Erik teases with a grin as he reaches for the chocolate she offers, thanking her as he inspects the foil a moment before opening it. Such a small thing brought Kira and Nic so much happiness, it was delightful to watch them light up once again. They hadn't had enough good in their lives, but that was something that could change; and already was changing.
They don't often have many sweets available and stocked up on the island, so Erik takes a moment to savor the chocolate before answering. ]
Nina loved sweets as well. But her favorite thing was latkes - she could eat them every day, happily. They are simple enough to make, I was able to teach her how.
[ His smile is softly amused as he goes on. ]
But she insisted they tasted better when I made them. [ It was likely to get out of making them herself, Erik knew but never minded. It was such a small thing he could do for her, so he did, gladly. ]
[The warning gets a grin out of Wanda--oh, she knows. She's entirely content to spoil Kira and Nic with art supplies and sweets. Now and then. Her expression softens, as it often does, when he talks about Nina. She can feel the fondness in his words.]
Will you show me how to make them?
[They can let the kids decide if they do indeed taste better when Erik makes them.]
[ Erik takes a breath, it's a little unsteady sounding. It's a normal question for her to ask, after all they were just talking about cooking and making a meal for the children. But the question reaches some part of him still greiving, still raw, and it stirs things up a bit internally.
He's only ever taught Nina how to make latkes. He wanted her to live a long life, long enough to teach her own children how. He envisioned being there for all of it.
Erik feels the sting of tears behind his eyes, but nothing spills over onto his cheeks. He breaks eye contact with Wanda with a softly spoken apology, jaw tight as he gazes toward the kitchen for a few moments, regaining composure. ]
I can show you.
[ Said with a slight smile once the emotion has mostly passed. ]
I apologize. It just... it's meant to be passed on, generation to generation. [ And now he was the last. He couldn't quite bring himself to say the words, but she likely knew. He'd rather it be passed on to her, and maybe at some point Kira and Nic; rather than only known to him. ]
[It takes Wanda a long moment to realize what has him emotional, not expecting such an innocent thing to get so deeply in between his ribs, but it's often the little things that manage to get in, isn't it? She gives him a moment, her own eyes on the kids, glad they're so enraptured by their treats that they're oblivious to what the adults are doing.
Erik rallies, and Wanda then understands when he explains. Of course. It's not the first time she's reach for his hand, but it's all she can think to do to offer some sort of comfort.]
It's okay. When you're ready.
[Like with the memories, the photos. She gives him a small, sad smile. If anyone would understand, it's her.]
[ With anyone else, he would have felt far more uncomfortable having his grief on display for that moment; but Erik knows she understands, in a way most wouldn't. It's not the first time he's shown her that side of himself typically kept under wraps; and likely not the last. He's relieved the kids are still preoccupied with their candy, he wouldn't want them to think anything was wrong, and it would be a bit difficult to explain his reaction.
The reassurance of her hand is a steadying thing, and he gives it a squeeze. ]
It should be passed on. My parents would have liked that.
[ They would have liked Genosha as well, he thinks. With a sigh he lets go of her hand, the smile on his face is a little sad still but he's piecing himself back together. ]
I liked my mother's cooking. She took pride in what she made. I wanted to be like that.
[He must think she cooked for her boys for years. She didn't. But she doesn't have the heart to tell him the truth of it, and certainly not with children in the room.]
Cooking is a way of... caring. Making a connection.
[She remembers Vision attempting a meal to bring her some happiness, even if he had no real idea what food should taste like. It was the act that counted, to her. This is no insignificant thing, that Erik is sharing.]
Don't feel rushed to share that part of yourself yet. I'm happy to handle meals once a week until it's time.
[ He nodded his thanks for her patience. He'd been closed off for so many years to these parts of himself, unraveling them was a process, one he wasn't capable of rushing; he was glad she understood that. He was also glad that she was sharing these pieces of herself as well, her past. He knew it was shaky territory for both of them. ]
That's how my mother looked at it as well. As an act of showing care.
[ Which was why these dinners were tugging at that part of him; both he and Wanda wanted to show these children that same kind of care. They knew the difference it made.
Nic was still working on his painting, taking great focus on what he was creating; but Kira's attention was wandering. She glanced back at Wanda and Erik, turning halfway in her chair as if debating on asking something. Erik glanced up at her as she walked over to the bookshelf and picked out another book. Shyly, she came to stand in front of them and asked, in English, if they could read again. Erik exchanged a glance with Wanda before smiling and telling her of course.
He expected she'd pick out a spot on the floor to spread out like she'd done previously, but instead she'd decided to take a seat on the sofa.
Her tiny form didn't take up much space between the two of them as she opened the book and began to glance over the words on the page. ]
[As much as Wanda is enjoying herself, some part of her is determined to keep thoughts of Vision and her boys at a minimum. This is the life she wanted with them. She has to tell herself to enjoy this for what it is: time with a friend, and time with children that need some positive experiences with adults.
Even with as well as it's going, Wanda looks surprised that Kira's willingly joining them and leaving her brother to his own devices. Of course, she's happy to help with more reading. Kira had chosen a book a little thicker than the last, determined to get through it. Prolong the night, maybe.
About a quarter in, Nic abandons his artwork to come sit on the couch, quietly motioning to the spot beside Wanda, a smudge of chocolate on his face in addition to the paint. It's another surprise, him wanting to join them, but Wanda only greets him with a smile and nod. No need to draw attention to it.
And then, with about a quarter left, Wanda's very aware of Nic's head bobbing forward as she tries to fight sleep. Kira, too, has slowed in her attempt to get through the pages, pausing now and then to yawn, but stubbornly continuing.
Wanda looks over the girl's head to mouth silently to Erik: Bedtime?]
[ Erik's reminded of his own family as well in this simple act of reading together on the couch, it's painful mixed in with something healing; like much of what he's experienced so far in regards to the four of them all spending time together. But he tried to set aside the ache he feels, wanting to show Kira and Nic that it's safe for them to open up more.
He's touched when Nic comes over to join them; still surprised that Kira had climbed up onto the sofa between them. Erik fights off a chuckle when Kira starts trying to avoid yawning, and from the looks of it; Nic is close to drifting off. He nods at Wanda's suggestion; definitely time for bed for these two. ]
I think that's enough for tonight. [ He reaches over to close the book and set it aside on the couch. Kira doesn't protest, just sort of blinks a few times and shuffles off the couch, rubbing her eyes as she looks over at her brother who is now fully asleep. She moves to reach for his arm, as if to wake him up but Erik gently intercepts. He asks in softly spoken French if it's alright if he helps them back to their home, to which Kira nods after a moment's pause.
Then, careful not to wake him, Erik lifts the boy's slight form into his arms; he's out like a light and doesn't notice the shift. Erik turns to Wanda, glancing at the book Kira was reading. ]
I think she might want to borrow that, if it's alright with you.
[Wanda says with a smile to Kira, who is far too tired to catch what she's saying, and therefore doesn't react. She's too busy trying to rub sleep from her eyes. Oh, well. She'll just have to find it in the morning.
Gently place her hand on the back of Kira's shoulders, she leads the way out into the night. Wanda's home is a little bit apart from the rest, the path a touch less well lit, and so she holds a hand up, an orb of red lighting the way.]
He's out like a light. After all that sugar, too.
[But it was an exciting few hours. A chance for the siblings to truly relax.]
[ It's no wonder they're both tired, after the eventful evening they had. It warms his heart to think that they both felt safe and comfortable enough to fall asleep while reading. Erik's careful not to wake Nic as they head down the path from Wanda's home to the main row of houses. Kira's eyes follow the red orb of light, curious even in her fatigued state.
The siblings share a room in one of the dwellings inhabited by a family that had been living in Genosha since it's early days; they help watch over the two but from what Erik had been told Kira and Nic still preferred to keep mostly to themselves.
He knocks quietly at the door and is let in with a hushed greeting and a smile by the mother of the family. There's surprise on her features as she sees them; but she just gestures toward their room with a nod. The living space is quiet, the rest of the family getting ready for bed themselves.
Erik gently places Nic in his bed; Kira wanders over to check on him briefly, then slides into her own bed with a tired sigh. Erik's voice is quiet and tender as he stands in the doorway to bid them goodnight. ]
[The kids are dotted in paint splotches, but they're so comfortably spent that changing clothes and washing up can wait until morning. Wanda sets the book on Kira's nightstand and pulls up a blanket over her tiny form, bidding her a good night before joining Erik.
They're thanked by the couple and told they're surprised to see the kids so content. Wanda tells them about the plan to have the siblings over regularly for some extra help with reading and writing, and they agree it's a good idea and will do what they can to assist.
Another exchange of good nights, and Wanda waits until they're clear of the house before stepping in to lightly bump Erik with her shoulder, small small on her face. ]
[ He gives the honest answer with a slight smile as they continue on down the path. ]
It's difficult not to miss my daughter, in moments like that. I use to carry her to her bed when she'd fall asleep on the sofa, on an almost nightly basis. [ There is sadness as well as fondness in his tone. ] But I'll be alright. Tonight was good for them. And for us as well, I think.
[ For him it was the beginning of a kind of healing that had been on hold for a long time. Loss like what he'd experienced and what Wanda had never really left, but it was possible to ease some of the pain - with connection. And by not giving in to the protective instinct of isolation. He still struggled a bit with that. But it was clear the two children needed guidance, and care. He was in a position to provide it, so he would. Fortunately, he had help. ]
Are you alright?
[ He asks as he looks over at her, studying her expression. It's harder to see with just the red glow of light, but he hopes tonight brought her heart more warmth than pain. ]
[The honesty moves her to be honest in turn. The sympathetic smile on her face lingers for a moment, her gaze on the path before them back to her house.]
They remind me of my boys, sometimes, but I think they remind me more of my brother and I. [In that scene brought to life by her magic, there had been a boy beside her under that bed in the rubble of their ruined apartment.] My twin. Pietro. We were all we had for a very long time after our parents died. When we became older, teenagers, we were so angry all the time. We made bad decisions because of that anger.
[She sighs, letting out some of the discomfort in her chest.]
It's good Kira and Nic are here now, when their hearts are still gentle. It's difficult to unlearn the anger.
[ He does know, and his expression conveys as much. He feels sympathy when she speaks of growing up angry, without parents; and only herself and her twin to try to survive alone in the world. It was devastating, and he understood. ]
I'm sorry you and your brother went through that. [ His expression softens with those words. ]
Sometimes anger is the only option. The right option. Especially if you've been hurt.
[ He knows not everyone might agree on that. And as far as bad decisions went, he couldn't remark on that since he wasn't one to judge on whether a decision was good or bad. For Erik it had more to do with the motivation behind it, and the circumstances. There were a lot of different variables. ]
I am glad Kira and Nic still have gentleness in them. They deserve to grow up without having to carry the anger we did. I don't know if it will stay that way, especially after the way they were treated by the humans they'd come across before arriving at Genosha. And we still don't know anything about their parents.
[ But he hopes. He wants it to be different for them. Maybe they're young enough that the anger won't grow within them and fester. ]
[Anger made her do some terrible things, but it's not something she's eager to explain in any detail.]
I worry about the things they've had to see and endure. Love and warmth can't undo all hurts. They're going to have to put in the work to be where they should be for their age. It won't always be a walk in the park for them. Or us.
[Unfortunately. Wanda sighs, letting out a long breath.]
... but for now, I don't see the harm in keeping it fun.
No, I don't imagine it will always be as simple and easy as it was tonight. They're still kids, and mutants as well; that comes along with certain challenges. Especially as they develop their identities.
[ Erik was prepared for it, the ups and downs. But he was grateful that they had gotten off to a good start; after not really knowing how tonight was going to go initially. With the way they were picking up reading, Erik figured it was just a matter of time and effort before they were at the level they needed to be. ]
They are lucky you showed up when you did.
[ He smiles over at her. She was a good influence on them, and she'd been good to Erik as well. It's implied in the smile he offers, but he states it aloud just in case. ] As am I.
I think it was only a matter of time before you tried to befriend them. I just sped the process along.
[Maybe it wouldn't have been these kids in particular, but she does believe that, in time, he'd want to try to be a more direct good influence. He'd want to try and see if he was capable of juggling his hurts and helping a child who may not have had the best adults in their lives, previously.]
[ He gives a half shrug as he nods, it's true. He would have eventually tried to help them as best as he could. He's not sure how well it would have gone however, without her help. It likely would have taken longer to build trust, much longer before they would have been willing to sit and read with him. ]
Well, they're still lucky. I can't create chocolate out of nothing.
[ Slight teasing. The children benefited from Wanda's presence far more than her abilities, they benefited from her as a person and her experiences. She was a natural around them. ]
Yes, I'll be heading back.
[ He had a few things to look over in terms of inventory before his night was over. ]
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[ Erik teases with a grin as he reaches for the chocolate she offers, thanking her as he inspects the foil a moment before opening it. Such a small thing brought Kira and Nic so much happiness, it was delightful to watch them light up once again. They hadn't had enough good in their lives, but that was something that could change; and already was changing.
They don't often have many sweets available and stocked up on the island, so Erik takes a moment to savor the chocolate before answering. ]
Nina loved sweets as well. But her favorite thing was latkes - she could eat them every day, happily. They are simple enough to make, I was able to teach her how.
[ His smile is softly amused as he goes on. ]
But she insisted they tasted better when I made them. [ It was likely to get out of making them herself, Erik knew but never minded. It was such a small thing he could do for her, so he did, gladly. ]
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Will you show me how to make them?
[They can let the kids decide if they do indeed taste better when Erik makes them.]
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He's only ever taught Nina how to make latkes. He wanted her to live a long life, long enough to teach her own children how. He envisioned being there for all of it.
Erik feels the sting of tears behind his eyes, but nothing spills over onto his cheeks. He breaks eye contact with Wanda with a softly spoken apology, jaw tight as he gazes toward the kitchen for a few moments, regaining composure. ]
I can show you.
[ Said with a slight smile once the emotion has mostly passed. ]
I apologize. It just... it's meant to be passed on, generation to generation. [ And now he was the last. He couldn't quite bring himself to say the words, but she likely knew. He'd rather it be passed on to her, and maybe at some point Kira and Nic; rather than only known to him. ]
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Erik rallies, and Wanda then understands when he explains. Of course. It's not the first time she's reach for his hand, but it's all she can think to do to offer some sort of comfort.]
It's okay. When you're ready.
[Like with the memories, the photos. She gives him a small, sad smile. If anyone would understand, it's her.]
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The reassurance of her hand is a steadying thing, and he gives it a squeeze. ]
It should be passed on. My parents would have liked that.
[ They would have liked Genosha as well, he thinks. With a sigh he lets go of her hand, the smile on his face is a little sad still but he's piecing himself back together. ]
Have you always liked cooking?
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[He must think she cooked for her boys for years. She didn't. But she doesn't have the heart to tell him the truth of it, and certainly not with children in the room.]
Cooking is a way of... caring. Making a connection.
[She remembers Vision attempting a meal to bring her some happiness, even if he had no real idea what food should taste like. It was the act that counted, to her. This is no insignificant thing, that Erik is sharing.]
Don't feel rushed to share that part of yourself yet. I'm happy to handle meals once a week until it's time.
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That's how my mother looked at it as well. As an act of showing care.
[ Which was why these dinners were tugging at that part of him; both he and Wanda wanted to show these children that same kind of care. They knew the difference it made.
Nic was still working on his painting, taking great focus on what he was creating; but Kira's attention was wandering. She glanced back at Wanda and Erik, turning halfway in her chair as if debating on asking something. Erik glanced up at her as she walked over to the bookshelf and picked out another book. Shyly, she came to stand in front of them and asked, in English, if they could read again. Erik exchanged a glance with Wanda before smiling and telling her of course.
He expected she'd pick out a spot on the floor to spread out like she'd done previously, but instead she'd decided to take a seat on the sofa.
Her tiny form didn't take up much space between the two of them as she opened the book and began to glance over the words on the page. ]
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Even with as well as it's going, Wanda looks surprised that Kira's willingly joining them and leaving her brother to his own devices. Of course, she's happy to help with more reading. Kira had chosen a book a little thicker than the last, determined to get through it. Prolong the night, maybe.
About a quarter in, Nic abandons his artwork to come sit on the couch, quietly motioning to the spot beside Wanda, a smudge of chocolate on his face in addition to the paint. It's another surprise, him wanting to join them, but Wanda only greets him with a smile and nod. No need to draw attention to it.
And then, with about a quarter left, Wanda's very aware of Nic's head bobbing forward as she tries to fight sleep. Kira, too, has slowed in her attempt to get through the pages, pausing now and then to yawn, but stubbornly continuing.
Wanda looks over the girl's head to mouth silently to Erik: Bedtime?]
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He's touched when Nic comes over to join them; still surprised that Kira had climbed up onto the sofa between them. Erik fights off a chuckle when Kira starts trying to avoid yawning, and from the looks of it; Nic is close to drifting off. He nods at Wanda's suggestion; definitely time for bed for these two. ]
I think that's enough for tonight. [ He reaches over to close the book and set it aside on the couch. Kira doesn't protest, just sort of blinks a few times and shuffles off the couch, rubbing her eyes as she looks over at her brother who is now fully asleep. She moves to reach for his arm, as if to wake him up but Erik gently intercepts. He asks in softly spoken French if it's alright if he helps them back to their home, to which Kira nods after a moment's pause.
Then, careful not to wake him, Erik lifts the boy's slight form into his arms; he's out like a light and doesn't notice the shift. Erik turns to Wanda, glancing at the book Kira was reading. ]
I think she might want to borrow that, if it's alright with you.
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[Wanda says with a smile to Kira, who is far too tired to catch what she's saying, and therefore doesn't react. She's too busy trying to rub sleep from her eyes. Oh, well. She'll just have to find it in the morning.
Gently place her hand on the back of Kira's shoulders, she leads the way out into the night. Wanda's home is a little bit apart from the rest, the path a touch less well lit, and so she holds a hand up, an orb of red lighting the way.]
He's out like a light. After all that sugar, too.
[But it was an exciting few hours. A chance for the siblings to truly relax.]
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[ It's no wonder they're both tired, after the eventful evening they had. It warms his heart to think that they both felt safe and comfortable enough to fall asleep while reading. Erik's careful not to wake Nic as they head down the path from Wanda's home to the main row of houses. Kira's eyes follow the red orb of light, curious even in her fatigued state.
The siblings share a room in one of the dwellings inhabited by a family that had been living in Genosha since it's early days; they help watch over the two but from what Erik had been told Kira and Nic still preferred to keep mostly to themselves.
He knocks quietly at the door and is let in with a hushed greeting and a smile by the mother of the family. There's surprise on her features as she sees them; but she just gestures toward their room with a nod. The living space is quiet, the rest of the family getting ready for bed themselves.
Erik gently places Nic in his bed; Kira wanders over to check on him briefly, then slides into her own bed with a tired sigh. Erik's voice is quiet and tender as he stands in the doorway to bid them goodnight. ]
Get some sleep you two.
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They're thanked by the couple and told they're surprised to see the kids so content. Wanda tells them about the plan to have the siblings over regularly for some extra help with reading and writing, and they agree it's a good idea and will do what they can to assist.
Another exchange of good nights, and Wanda waits until they're clear of the house before stepping in to lightly bump Erik with her shoulder, small small on her face. ]
You okay?
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[ He gives the honest answer with a slight smile as they continue on down the path. ]
It's difficult not to miss my daughter, in moments like that. I use to carry her to her bed when she'd fall asleep on the sofa, on an almost nightly basis. [ There is sadness as well as fondness in his tone. ] But I'll be alright. Tonight was good for them. And for us as well, I think.
[ For him it was the beginning of a kind of healing that had been on hold for a long time. Loss like what he'd experienced and what Wanda had never really left, but it was possible to ease some of the pain - with connection. And by not giving in to the protective instinct of isolation. He still struggled a bit with that. But it was clear the two children needed guidance, and care. He was in a position to provide it, so he would. Fortunately, he had help. ]
Are you alright?
[ He asks as he looks over at her, studying her expression. It's harder to see with just the red glow of light, but he hopes tonight brought her heart more warmth than pain. ]
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They remind me of my boys, sometimes, but I think they remind me more of my brother and I. [In that scene brought to life by her magic, there had been a boy beside her under that bed in the rubble of their ruined apartment.] My twin. Pietro. We were all we had for a very long time after our parents died. When we became older, teenagers, we were so angry all the time. We made bad decisions because of that anger.
[She sighs, letting out some of the discomfort in her chest.]
It's good Kira and Nic are here now, when their hearts are still gentle. It's difficult to unlearn the anger.
[Her eyes return to Erik.]
But you know that.
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I'm sorry you and your brother went through that. [ His expression softens with those words. ]
Sometimes anger is the only option. The right option. Especially if you've been hurt.
[ He knows not everyone might agree on that. And as far as bad decisions went, he couldn't remark on that since he wasn't one to judge on whether a decision was good or bad. For Erik it had more to do with the motivation behind it, and the circumstances. There were a lot of different variables. ]
I am glad Kira and Nic still have gentleness in them. They deserve to grow up without having to carry the anger we did. I don't know if it will stay that way, especially after the way they were treated by the humans they'd come across before arriving at Genosha. And we still don't know anything about their parents.
[ But he hopes. He wants it to be different for them. Maybe they're young enough that the anger won't grow within them and fester. ]
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[Anger made her do some terrible things, but it's not something she's eager to explain in any detail.]
I worry about the things they've had to see and endure. Love and warmth can't undo all hurts. They're going to have to put in the work to be where they should be for their age. It won't always be a walk in the park for them. Or us.
[Unfortunately. Wanda sighs, letting out a long breath.]
... but for now, I don't see the harm in keeping it fun.
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[ Erik was prepared for it, the ups and downs. But he was grateful that they had gotten off to a good start; after not really knowing how tonight was going to go initially. With the way they were picking up reading, Erik figured it was just a matter of time and effort before they were at the level they needed to be. ]
They are lucky you showed up when you did.
[ He smiles over at her. She was a good influence on them, and she'd been good to Erik as well. It's implied in the smile he offers, but he states it aloud just in case. ] As am I.
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[Maybe it wouldn't have been these kids in particular, but she does believe that, in time, he'd want to try to be a more direct good influence. He'd want to try and see if he was capable of juggling his hurts and helping a child who may not have had the best adults in their lives, previously.]
You heading home for the night?
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Well, they're still lucky. I can't create chocolate out of nothing.
[ Slight teasing. The children benefited from Wanda's presence far more than her abilities, they benefited from her as a person and her experiences. She was a natural around them. ]
Yes, I'll be heading back.
[ He had a few things to look over in terms of inventory before his night was over. ]
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I'll see you later, then. Thank you for helping out tonight.
[Because he was a help. He can connect with the kids in a way she can't, simply by knowing French.
With a nod and a wave, she heads home.]